Tourist Attractions In Kuantan

The Sungai Pandan Cave and Waterfalls (25km) spread across some 11 hectares of parkland is a popular spot for daytrips. The cave houses a Buddhist temple while close by are eight cascades/rapids that descend into pools perfect for swimming.

Balok beach (15km) comes with miles of white sand, deep blue waters of the South China Sea, windbreakers of swaying casuarinas and perfect conditions for windsurfers. An hour or less of driving time to the north of Kuantan past little fishing villages, handicraft factories and black rock beaches brings visitors to Cherating Village (42km). Cherating is one of the most popular beaches on the east coast of Malaysia and has been built up as a major tourist destination complete with beachside huts, restaurants and facilities for windsurfing. Visitors can wander around the local crafts shops, buy batik or mengkuang and watch performances of ‘Wayang Kulit’ and ‘Silat’, the ancient Malay martial art of self-defence. A mile or so away from Cherating is the famous nesting ground of green turtles and giant leatherbacks at Chendor Beach. For turtles, peak season is anytime between July and September when they travel ashore to lay eggs.

The charming little hamlet of Beserah is a village of fisher folk - and can be smelt well before arrival! Salted fish lie drying on mats while the pungent odour of the village speciality, ‘belacan’ (dry shrimp paste), an essential ingredient of the regional cuisine hangs heavy in the air. Its quaintness is enhanced by the sight of sturdy water buffaloes pulling carts loaded with the day’s catch, which then becomes the responsibility of the women.

The offshore islands of Pulau Tioman, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Perhentian are some of the beauties that dot the beautiful east coast of Malaysia - an idyllic place of sunny skies, clear waters, coral reefs and beautiful beaches tailor made for R&R, diving and snorkelling. Kuala Rompin is the gateway to Tioman, long considered the jewel of the South China Sea. Local mythology tells the story of a dragon princess on her way to China, who was so entranced by the beauty of the area that she opted to stay behind. She transformed herself into the beautiful island of Tioman, offering shelter and succour to weary seafarers.

The most remarkable of all the sights to see in and around Kuantan is the region around Lake Chini (62km). Tasik Chini is the second biggest natural water body in Malaysia and consists of a series of 12 smaller lakes around which live the indigenous Orang Asli tribes. Another lovely old tale identifies the lake as the home of a dragon, guardian of the lost Khmer city of gold. A trip to the lake includes a sampan ride down the Chini River as it winds its way past thick stands of rainforests and native Malay settlements. Visitors to the area can arrange to stay at the Orang Asli village of Kampung Gumum or at one of the more conventional tourist residential complexes that come with restaurants, chalets and campsites.

The Gua Charas caves are natural formations in a limestone outcrop 25km from Kuantan. These caves were used by Buddhists as temples thousands of years ago and still contain artefacts and statues of Thai origin. One of the caves biggest attractions is a large statue of the Buddha in repose. The caves are tended over by monks who spend their lives in solitude, rarely leaving the premises. Visitors can take either a cab or a bus for the village of Panching from the main station in Kuantan - it is a hot and dusty 4km hike to the cave site from the village.